Election years can be great fun for schools. The country event ties in great with government, history, civics, and social studies classes. Math teachers can make use of the poll results and language arts classes can use the experience as a writing activity. Middle school and high school students can really gain a lot from discussing the current event.
Many schools opt to hold their own elections to see who the student body or class would elect to be the President of the United States of America. Students at Concord-Carlisle Regional High School recently held and election and voted Democratic Senator Barack Obama as the new president.
When setting up a mock election such as this, students can research candidates, make political decisions, and even hold debates as to who they feel would make the best president. Once the elections have been held, the students can use their math skills to figure percentages for the candidates’ votes.
The mock elections and discussions at school help get students interested in the media. Many begin to watch the commercials and debates on television. They begin to talk with their parents about the various candidates. They take a more activity role in the government.
Many students will follow the advice or opinions of their parents when determining which candidate deserves their vote. Much of the debate will also come from the things that they have heard adults say or comment on during conversations.
I would suggest that all teachers take advantage of the country’s current elections and involve the children in them in some fashion. Even small children can be introduced to what is happening in their country. If children are made aware of the importance of voting at an early age they are more likely to take an interest in voting when their legal age comes.